Italy, 18th century. Farnese Hercules. photo Sotheby's

bronze. inscribed: ΕΛΥΚζΟΝ ΑΟΗΝΛΙΟº ΗΟΙΟΙ on front of rocky support; and bearing the inscription ANNO.1602 on front right side of plinth. height 28 3/4 in., 73 cm. Est. 30,000—40,000 USD. Lot Sold 68,500 USD

PROVENANCE: Heim Gallery, London

LITERATURE AND REFERENCES: Penny 1992, vol. II, no. 416

NOTE:

RELATED LITERATURE: Haskell and Penny, 1981, no. 46

The colossal antique marble figure of the Farnese Hercules, signed by Glycon and now in the Museo Nazionale, Naples, was first definitely recorded in 1556 when it was in the Palazzo Farnese. It was displayed in the first courtyard of the Palazzo until 1787 when it was taken to Carlo Albacini's studio for restoration and subsequently to Naples. The figure was greatly admired through the following centuries and in the 18th century both Zoffoli and Righetti, among other sculptors, produced bronze statuettes of the model.

Sotheby's. Important European Terracotta & Bronze Sculpture from the Arthur M. Sackler Collections. 29 Jan 10. New York www.sothebys.com